Abstract: A forwarding node decapsulates and encapsulates data. The decapsulation may be performed using pattern matching techniques and the encapsulation may be performed using pattern insertion techniques. The decapsulation and encapsulation are preferably performed by hardware devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to enhance the speed of such operations. The decapsulation and encapsulation may be independent of each other and performed on a per virtual circuit basis.

Abstract: A forwarding node decapsulates and encapsulates data. The decapsulation may be performed using pattern matching techniques and the encapsulation may be performed using pattern insertion techniques. The decapsulation and encapsulation are preferably performed by hardware devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to enhance the speed of such operations. The decapsulation and encapsulation may be independent of each other and performed on a per virtual circuit basis.

Abstract: A forwarding node decapsulates and encapsulates data. The decapsulation may be performed using pattern matching techniques and the encapsulation may be performed using pattern insertion techniques. The decapsulation and encapsulation are preferably performed by hardware devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to enhance the speed of such operations. The decapsulation and encapsulation may be independent of each other and performed on a per virtual circuit basis.

Abstract: A forwarding node decapsulates and encapsulates data. The decapsulation may be performed using pattern matching techniques and the encapsulation may be performed using pattern insertion techniques. The decapsulation and encapsulation are preferably performed by hardware devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to enhance the speed of such operations. The decapsulation and encapsulation may be independent of each other and performed on a per virtual circuit basis.

Abstract: A network device bundles packet over synchronous optical network (POS) data stream and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) data stream into a synchronous optical network (SONET) data stream. The POS data stream and the ATM data stream are virtual channels or tributaries of the SONET data stream. The SONET data stream may be transmitted over a single optical fiber.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a multicast session in a network having multiple network nodes. The system selects one of the network nodes as a control point associated with the multicast session. Identity of the control point is then advertised to all network nodes in a particular area. The control point determines multicast control information for the multicast session. Multicast control information determined by the control point is transmitted to the network nodes participating in the multicast session. The multicast control information may include network nodes participating in the multicast session, multicast reflection points, or instructions for transmitting multicast data to members of the multicast session. Updating of the multicast control information occurs in response to network changes. The system may provide a secondary control point that maintains a copy of control information associated with the multicast session.

Abstract: A system for providing quality of service routing functions in a connectionless network having multiple nodes. The system generates a link resource advertisement for each node in the network. Each link resource advertisement includes information regarding link resources available on a particular node in the network. The system also generates resource reservation advertisements for each node in the network. Each resource reservation advertisement includes information regarding a particular node's current reservations for a data flow. Network paths are calculated in response to a quality of service request. The calculations are performed based on information contained in the link resource advertisements and resource reservation advertisements.

Abstract: A system for selecting an alternate route in a network using a connection-oriented protocol. The system is implemented in response to inadequate resources to a normal next hop node for a requested connection. The system may also be implemented if the normal next hop node is not capable of supporting the requested data flow. An alternate next hop node is identified having adequate resources for the requested connection. The connection request is then sent to the alternate next hop node. A refusal message is generated if the connection request sent to the alternate next hop node fails. The identification of alternate next hop nodes having adequate resources is performed on a limited basis.

Abstract: A system for providing explicit routing functions in a connectionless network. A specific router selects a path through the connectionless network to a destination. Explicit routing advertisements are generated by the specific router and contain information regarding the selected path. Routing state is installed according to information contained in the explicit routing advertisements. The explicit routing advertisements are forwarded to each next hop router. Each next hop router installs routing state, generates the explicit routing advertisement, and forwards the explicit routing advertisement to further propagate the routing information.